A polished, warming tribute to a jazz legend.

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First things first. Fresh coffee, Eggs Benedict, and live jazz is an utterly joyous combination to combat Sunday lethargy. The Royal Albert Hall has mastered its Live Music Brunch and executes it with swift, professional service and class.

However, we were here for the music above anything else. Performing at today’s brunch was jazz vocalist Deelee Dubé with four fine musicians behind her. Granddaughter of legendary South African saxophonist Zakes Nkosi, and daughter of jazz pianist Jabu Nkosi, Dubé boasts a considerable musical lineage which has likely informed her pursuits in the industry. In 2016, Dubé was hailed the victor of the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition after having performed at the New Jersey Performing Arts Centre (NJPAC). Coverage of the competition’s finale from Allen Morrison of JazzTimes noted her ‘genuine blues feeling’ and ‘rhythmic authority’.

At today’s event – as part of the ‘Women and the Hall’ series – Dubé paid homage to ‘Sassy Sarah’ with two acts full of vintage jazz classics. While I must slightly lament the omission of my personal favourite Sarah Vaughan recording – ‘Someone To Watch Over Me’ –  Dubé and her band dug deep into Vaughan’s repertoire with a healthy selection of midtempo tunes and ballads. Somewhat remarkably, Dubé’s instrument is not dissimilar to Vaughan’s magnetic contralto. Though with a lighter timbre, Dubé sings with similar inflection and poise. Moreover, Dubé masters the heavy, distinct vibrato that is so characteristic of female jazz legends such as Vaughn, Dinah Washington, and Ella Fitzgerald.

Gently shimmying from side to side, Dubé exuded a quiet confidence and comfort as a performer. On a more relaxed rendition of ‘Cherokee’, Dubé released an effortless, floating, and sonorous mixed voice as she navigated the bounces and leaps of the melody. She sings with playful control, taking melodic liberties with ease, while sinking into her warmth of her tone. ‘Pennies From Heaven’ proved a particular case in point. The second act saw Dubé dial back her instrument with a sensual, wispy rendition of ‘Slow Hot Wind’, and a version of ‘Darn That Dream’ which (appropriately) dripped with gloom and sadness.

Supporting her was mentor Renato D’Aiello whose swooping tenor saxophone captures the freedom, at times whimsicality, of jazz. Alex Hutton on piano, Joe Downard on double bass, and Alfonso Vitale on drums completed the quartet – each impressing the audience with their respective solos.

Deelee Dubé will be performing Upstairs @ Ronnie Scott’s with Renato D’Aiello on several dates in March.

(Image taken from Royal Albert Hall website with permission)